Sharks Split Senior Day Doubleheader with PacWest-Bound Vulcans

Senior Day Spark Fuels Game 1 Shutout

HPU set the tone early with a gritty 2-0 victory, leaning on timely execution and a complete-game shutout in the circle.

Pitcher Lily Pardini was in control from start to finish, allowing just three hits while navigating minimal traffic across seven scoreless innings.

The Sharks capitalized in the fifth inning, manufacturing both runs without the benefit of a hit—showcasing discipline and pressure offense with walks, stolen bases, and situational execution.

HPU drew nine walks in the game, consistently putting pressure on UH Hilo’s pitching staff and creating the breakthrough inning that ultimately held up as the difference.

It was a complete team effort—and a fitting start to a day honoring seniors Alexis Oshiro, Taimane Panganoran, and Maddy Gonzalez, whose presence helped set the tone for the program.

Vulcans Respond Late in Game 2

In the second game, UH Hilo’s offense came alive late, pulling away for an 11-5 win to secure the split.

The Sharks struck first again, plating two runs in the second inning and later battling back to tie the game 4-4 in the fourth behind clutch hits from Taryn Hirano and Alexis Oshiro. Hirano led the way offensively, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBIs, continuing her standout day at the plate.

However, the Vulcans’ depth ultimately showed. UH Hilo broke the game open with a four-run sixth inning and added three more in the seventh, capitalizing on key hits and defensive miscues to create separation.

Despite the final scoreline, HPU tallied 10 hits and remained competitive deep into the game, continuing a recent stretch of improved offensive production.

Growth, Belief, and a Foundation for the Future

Following the doubleheader, first-year head coach Alex Takemura emphasized the progress his team has made—particularly in recent weeks.

“It was a very competitive game… we came out and decided to play as hard as we possibly could,” Takemura said, noting the team’s ability to “put it all together” in stretches.

That progress has started to show in the results. After a challenging first half of the season that featured a long stretch of losses during a difficult road-heavy schedule, the Sharks have begun to turn a corner late in the year—stringing together more wins over the past few weeks than they did through much of the early portion of the season.

Takemura credited that shift to growing confidence and experience within a young roster.

“The belief in each other… the hard work they put in… the youth developing experience,” he said. “Things are starting to fall into place.”

The day also carried added meaning as Takemura honored his first senior class—players he described as the standard for the program moving forward.

“Great leadership, great attitudes… the hard work, the commitment, and the selflessness—they’re examples of the type of players we want,” he said.

He also highlighted Alexis Oshiro as a tone-setter within the group, calling her “the big sister in every way” and a model for future Sharks.

What’s Next

With the season winding down, HPU continues to show signs of growth under Takemura’s leadership. While UH Hilo prepares for the PacWest Championships (May 5–7), the two teams will first close out the regular season with a doubleheader in Hilo at Vulcan Softball Field.

For the Sharks, it’s another opportunity to measure their progress and build on the momentum they’ve found late in the year—while setting the tone for what’s ahead.

Takemura summed it up simply:

“Very humbling, very exciting… I had a blast. I can’t wait for next season.”

PHOTOS BY DANIEL FUJITA